macs and crossover cables

[ankhseeker]

Lets say that I have 2 macs. a mini and a MBP If I didn't have any internet or network available to me and wanted to move large files from one to the other, could I use an Ethernet crossover cable to network the two?
Or is there a better way that isn't coming to me.
Thanks ;-)

 

[cwa107]

Actually, just use a straight Ethernet cord. No crossover cable required, as long as you're talking about 2 relatively recent Macs. More information here:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2274?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US

 

[ankhseeker]

Hmmm, recent? maybe 2008+? I can do that. Many thanks for the rapid reply. Much appreciated.

DOH! I should have read that article BEFORE I replied ;-)

 

[gsahli]

You also need to manually setup system network prefs. Set IP address 192.168.1.2 in one and 192.168.1.3 in the other. Set 255.255.255.0 for subnet mask in both.

 

[cwa107]

You also need to manually setup system network prefs. Set IP address 192.168.1.2 in one and 192.168.1.3 in the other. Set 255.255.255.0 for subnet mask in both.

Not in my experience.

Without a DHCP server available, your Mac will use what is known as an APIPA address (automatically assigned private IP address). This is usually in the 169.254.x.x range. Since they will be in the same subnet, they should see each other without any need to configure static IP.

This works particularly well when upgrading from an old to a new Mac as you can just use the Migration Assistant to do all the work (and note that the Migration Assistant steps you through the process and nowhere does it require you to configure static IP).

 

[ankhseeker]

yum, more food for thought ;-)

Thanks

 

[gsahli]

Without a DHCP server available, your Mac will use what is known as an APIPA address

Thanks - I think my age is showing....